There’s a new publishing label currently working on a new batch of games, so I got in touch with Mikaël Bourget to talk a bit about Nakana Come check it out!
PS4Blog: Good morning! Thank you for joining us today. Could you help us get started by telling our readers a bit about yourself and your work?
I am Mikaël Bourget, co-founder and director of Nakana.io, a brand new publishing label for games that have something to say beyond the entertainment they provide. They might address important topics that players can relate to or should be aware of, or might offer a unique and disrupting way of playing. I love to work with game developers and embrace their artistic vision.
I provide them porting to other platforms as well as publishing, localization, and communication services. I am currently focused on PC, and Nintendo Switch releases. I am incredibly excited to start this new adventure and help bring amazing gaming experiences to more players.
PS4B: On that note, Nakana.io has announced its first video game for a 2020 release on the Nintendo Switch: Infini. What can you tell us about this one?
Infini is not actually the first game announced and will most probably not be the first one to be released. There are two other games: EQQO and Lydia. But I can talk a bit more about them in a bit. Let’s focus on Infini now.
This game lets players drift into an extraordinary journey with mind-bending puzzles and meaningful encounters with Time, Poetry, Memory, Technology, but also War and Fatality. There is an innovative camera manipulation mechanic that is very clever, challenging, and addictive. I think that players will love it. Infini will feature around 8 hours of gameplay across 100+ levels and ten varied worlds, developing a rich and emotional story. The soundtrack and imagery are totally original and were all created by Barnaque, a small but very creative studio from Quebec. Infini was announced for Q1 2020 on PC, but the Switch version might be available by late Q1 or Q2.
PS4B: Infini certainly looks like the type of game that will stand out on Nintendo’s hybrid console. What can you tell us about the other projects you are currently working on to launch in 2020 and beyond?
Lydia and EQQO are two other games that Nakana plans to launch on Nintendo Switch. Their release windows have not been announced yet on this platform, but it will probably be Q1.
Lydia is already available on Steam. It puts the players in the shoes of a small girl whose life is scary and confusing because of a big issue in her household: alcohol and substance addiction. Platonic Partnership, the Finnish studio behind it, created a beautiful and wholesome artistic/gaming experience to tackle this problem affecting thousands of children and families around the world.
EQQO is already available on Android. This poetic adventure makes the player become the master of the legendary tale of a blind boy. They will have to guide him with an uncommon gameplay/camera design, take from the initial VR version. With this game, French team Parallel Studio addresses topics such as our connections with loved ones and with nature. The visuals and the music (performed by the City of Prague Philharmonic Orchestra) provoke many thoughts and emotions to remember.
PS4B: Are you only looking at releasing these games digitally, or would you consider also doing a limited print run for them?
So far, just digital. I am happy to consider limited print runs, and will reach potential partners I’ve contacted when that time comes.
PS4B: And that’s all the time we have for today. Is there something else you’d like to add before we go?
Thank you so much for your interest! I would like to welcome everyone to join our Discord server. There you can find more information about Nakana.io and I, as well as receive some exclusive gifts from the game developers I work with, as well as have a direct chat with them.
This server is also dedicated to letting people share about any game that made them learn or experience something new. Other players of the community and I would love to read about them. Please join us and share 🙂
